Weir reveals seeds of success
THE Black Seeds recently released their long anticipated sixth studio album FABRIC as they come close to 20 years together as a band. One of the group’s founders, Barnaby Weir, talks about how it all began.
What are you plugging right now?
The Black Seeds 6th Studio album, FABRIC.
How did you initially get involved in music and how long have you been part of it?
I had my first band at 11 in 1989 and began recording around 13. I mucked around in the old Radio New Zealand studios sub1 and sub2 and had my first Pro Tools lesson at 13 with Evan Roberts from the band Trash.
I had the chance to sit in on sessions at Marmalade Studios in the 90s and did some recording there myself.
I was a DJ at Radio Active in Wellington for a number of years and made adverts and stings for a few years. 50hz and DJMu helped me learn about Pro Tools recording software. I helped found the Black Seeds in 1998 with Rich Christie (previously drums) and Shannon Williams (previously bass). Next year will mark the band’s 20th anniversary. I founded Fly My Pretties in 2003.
What is a song you remember from childhood?
Blue Suede Shoes. I had to perform it at Kelburn Normal school musical 1988-89.
What was the first piece of music you purchased?
It was a Culture Club 7 inch for my great uncle when I was about 4 years old.
What are the ingredients for a great live performance?
Drama, dynamics, emotion, skill, energy, story telling, great sound, meaningful songs, great singing, genuine personalities.
How do you balance music with other obligations – partner, children, job?
I don’t think there is really a SUPPLIED balance, but I don’t have kids so that means I have plenty of time to procrastinate or be productive. Being able to focus is a great skill I’m getting slowly better at.
I’m hyper creative a lot of the time but I find it’s the finishing of the ideas/art/songs that is most satisfying in the end and then sharing it with people.
Can you describe a perfect Saturday?
Counting piles of money, playing records, eating tacos, travelling by plane to do a cool show with other friends’ bands, having a few wines, coming back home to cuddles.
What’s your idea of happiness?
Peace on Earth, actual respect for humans, animals and the planet, the truth, real love, music.
What life lesson would you pass on?
Back yourself, express yourself, know yourself, be yourself and try to enjoy each moment and be in the present.
Which living person do you most admire and why?
Noam Chomsky – he’s smart and he shares. Drink of choice? Espresso martini, wine, Epic Armageddon.
What are you reading right now?
Bruce Springsteen’s autobiography.
What job would you do other than your own and why?
I’d like to be a successful inventor of helpful tools and ideas.
What is a current political issue close to your heart and how would you solve it?
Affordable living in New Zealand, water quality, homelessnes , equality, hungry kids and child abuse are some of the major issues that face all New Zealanders.
Get involved in charity, be a good citizen, be vocal and definitely vote. - Grant Smithies